Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 14-02-03

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From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish occupation in Cyprus becomes more evident every day: Turkish warships intimidate a Norwegian vessel carrying out seismic explorations in Cyprus' EEZ

[02] Yildiz announces that they will hold seismic explorations in an area of 7,400 kilometres in the Mediterranean in 2014

[03] A protocol on health between Turkey and "TRNC"; Contacts by Turkish Ministers in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

[04] Turkish Minister Eroglu: The sea phase of the water project may be completed by 20th of July

[05] Foundation laying ceremony for the project for bringing water from Turkey was held in occupied Myrtou village area

[06] Yorgancioglu commented on the latest proposal of the Greek Cypriot side on the joint statement

[07] Talat criticized Eroglu's policy on the Cyprus problem

[08] Swoboda held contacts with Turkish Cypriot politicians

[09] Serdar Denktas was re-elected DP leader

[10] Turkish AKP and CHP parties send representatives to the DP Congress

[11] A decline on the Green Line Regulation trade

[12] Izmir Chamber of Commerce: Lift the barbed wires and start trading

[13] Turkish businessman says they are working for direct flights to illegal Tymvou airport

[14] Israel and Turkey 'close' to compensation deal

[15] Opinion polls on the popularity of the ruling AKP

[16] New resignation in AKP over graft scandal

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkish occupation in Cyprus becomes more evident every day: Turkish warships intimidate a Norwegian vessel carrying out seismic explorations in Cyprus' EEZ

A statement issued by the Turkish General Staff notes the following: "After the seismic exploration vessel named Princess, under the flag of Norway, which was carrying out explorations in the south of the island of Cyprus, entered into the Turkish Marine Space on 1 February 2014 at 18.40 hours, the above-mentioned vessel was warned by TCG Giresun Frigate, which has been in the area within the scope of the Mediterranean Shield Operation, and it abandoned the Turkish Marine Space at 23.50 hours".

(I/Ts.)

[02] Yildiz announces that they will hold seismic explorations in an area of 7400 kilometres in the Mediterranean in 2014

In an interview with Kibrisli's correspondent Emre Diner, Yildiz noted that the land drilling at so-called Turkyurdu site in occupied Syngrasi village in Famagusta area has been completed and added: "I want to say that there might not be enough reserves, they will be processed and the result will be seen?We have spent a very serious amount of money within the framework of the drilling, but it does not matter, it is not important? I should note that we could not have the results we wanted at Turkyurdu1".

Yildiz said that they are continuing their soundings in the sea and that now they are working in the sea area west of Cyprus. Yildiz noted that in 2013 they carried out seismic explorations in approximately 700 kilometres on shore and 5,500 kilometres in the sea in "TRNC's" continental shelf, as he described the continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus which remains under Turkish occupation since 1974.

Yildiz went on and said that they are planning to carry out seismic explorations in an area of approximately 7,400 kilometres in 2014. He noted that at the moment they have a so-called licence to work in the west of Cyprus and they will hold seismic explorations in an area of approximately 3,500 kilometres there.

(I/Ts.)

[03] A protocol on health between Turkey and "TRNC"; Contacts by Turkish Ministers in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cyprus Affairs Besir Atalay, self-tyled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu and self-styled health minister Ahmet Gulle signed the protocol.

Ilhan said that with the signing of the protocol Turkish nationals will be able to benefit from the "TRNC health system" and that all costs will be covered by the Social Security Institution of Turkey.

Meanwhile, "BRT" broadcast that r Atalay, the Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz and the Turkish Minister for Forestry and Water Works Veysel Eroglu held a series of contacts in the "TRNC". The first visit of the Turkish delegation was to Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu.

Speaking during the visit, Atalay said that the focus of their contacts in the "TRNC" will be on water, energy and health issues.

Dervis Eroglu, for his part, said that he was pleased to see work being done on water, energy and health, which were all important for the "TRNC". Noting that economic problems were on the rise in the "TRNC" as a result of the fall in the value of the Turkish Lira against foreign currencies, Eroglu thanked the Turkish government for the projects which were vital for their future.

Following their visit to Eroglu, the Turkish Ministers and their accompanying delegations met with the self-styled speaker of the assembly Sibel Siber.

Speaking at this visit, Atalay highlighted the importance of the "new laws passed by the TRNC parliament", describing them as major reforms.

[04] Turkish Minister Eroglu: The sea phase of the water project may be completed by 20th of July

According to the protocol, water will be carried to the occupied village of Panagra and after inspections, a decision was taken for a purification and distribution plant to be built.

Eroglu noted that the water transfer project foresees 75 million cubic meters of drinking and agricultural water coming to the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) via Turkey and gave good news that workings had begun for the water to be extended to the occupied areas of Mesaoria and Morphou.

"The area around the Panagra reservoir will be a green forest. An area for our Turkish Cypriot bothers to spend some time in and enjoy themselves", said the Turkish Minister and added that they will continue to work on projects that will aid the progress of the "TRNC". "Turkey is always by the side of the TRNC", Eroglu concluded.

[05] Foundation laying ceremony for the project for bringing water from Turkey was held in occupied Myrtou village area

Addressing the ceremony, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Cypriot Affairs, Besir Atalay said that they want to celebrate two feasts together on 20 July 214 in the occupied area of Cyprus and in case this could not happen, the building contractors have been committed that the "water from Turkey will reach the occupied area of Cyprus the latest until September.

Atalay argued that with the water the land in the occupied area of Cyprus will gain in value, the production will increase, the prosperity will rise, and thus the ties between Turkey and the "TRNC" will be strengthened further.

Atalay claimed that they wish for the Turkish Cypriots to live in prosperity regardless of whether a solution to the Cyprus problem is reached.

He referred also to the "protocol" in the field of health that would be signed between Turkey and the breakaway regime and said that more than 30 thousand students from Turkey will benefit from this agreement.

In his statements Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu said that something which he has been dreaming during his entire political career has come to life and argued that they are at the eve of solving their water and energy problems in the occupied area of Cyprus. He claimed that the project gives the message to the world that "Turkey does not abandon the TRNC" and at the same time it strengthens the Turkish side at the negotiating table for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem. He argued that water will become a big trump card for the Turkish side, if the issue of sharing this water with the Greek Cypriot side comes onto the agenda in the future.

In his address, self-styled prime minister Ozkan Yorgancioglu argued that the water is necessary for achieving peace and solution in the country and thanked everybody who contributed in the realization of this project.

(I/Ts.)

[06] Yorgancioglu commented on the latest proposal of the Greek Cypriot side on the joint statement

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency during his "official" visit to Turkey, Yorgancioglu stressed the need for both sides to be equally represented.

He said the "TRNC" (editor's note: the breakaway regime in the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus) wants "real peace talks" to resume immediately.

He reiterated their commitment to "transform and reform" all areas of life in the occupied area of Cyprus.

Praising Ankara's support to the Turkish Cypriots, Yorgancioglu said Turkey is the "TRNC's" only window to the outside world. "Until the Cyprus issue is settled, another duty of ours as the TRNC government, is to fulfil our responsibilities to further develop the economy, raise living standards, and pave the way for a better future for our country," he said.

Yorgancioglu alleged that the Turkish Cypriots must receive their share of the natural resources on the island, adding that the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot leaders have agreed that these resources belong to the two "nations".

[07] Talat criticized Eroglu's policy on the Cyprus problem

Talat stated that Eroglu does not follow a clear and open policy on the Cyprus problem. "One day he behaves one way, next day he behaves in a different way", he stated and added that Turkey is very important for the solution of the Cyprus problem as well. "But firstly Eroglu must change and he must follow a clearer policy", Talat stated.

[08] Swoboda held contacts with Turkish Cypriot politicians

He was escorted by the deputy President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Libor Roucek and the Group's consultant Agnieszka Gregorczyk.

The delegation met with the self-styled prime minister and leader of the Republican Turkish Party Ozkan Yorgancioglu and discussed the latest developments of the Cyprus problem and the Turkey-EU-Cyprus relations.

In addition the delegation also met with the self-styled foreign minister Ozdil Nami. According to the paper, the Cyprus problem and the EU relations were among the topics of discussion during the meeting.

[09] Serdar Denktas was re-elected DP leader

Denktas received 1501 votes while the other three candidates who also run for the party's leadership received the following votes: Bengu Sonya: 261, Fuat Turkoz Ciner: 34, Abdurrahman Omeroglu: 25.

This is the 8th time that Denktas is elected as DP chairman.

[10] Turkish AKP and CHP parties send representatives to the DP Congress

Yasin Aktay, deputy chairman of AKP and responsible for foreign affairs, stated that his party supports the struggle of the Turkish Cypriots and claimed that no compensations must be made to the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots.

Speaking during the congress Gaye Usluer, MP with CHP stated that her party respects the independence of the "TRNC" and the will of the Turkish Cypriots. She also added that a solution must be found based on the equality of the two "peoples" in Cyprus.

[11] A decline on the Green Line Regulation trade

According to data given by the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), the total trade sales since the Green Line Regulation came into force in 2004, between the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control and the areas in which it does not, until the end of 2013 is 70,874,828 euro.

2004-2013 trade sale

2004 470.821,11

2005 1.673.459,57

2006 3.228.342,97

2007 4.125.547,85

2008 7.172.115,72

2009 6.006.347,89

2010 5.909.238,15

2011 29.407.435,08

2012 8.944.202,77

2013 3.937.317,52

Total: 70.874.828,63

[12] Izmir Chamber of Commerce: Lift the barbed wires and start trading

Speaking during a meeting with the "speaker of the assembly" Sibel Siber, Demirtas stated that solution is one thing, peace is a different thing adding that the "people" in Cyprus must start preparing for building up on peace on the island. He went on and stated in order for this to be achieved the two sides in Cyprus must start trading: "Lift up the barbed wires, the barrels and the barricades and start trading", he stated.

[13] Turkish businessman says they are working for direct flights to illegal Tymvou airport

In statements to Havadis, Turanli noted that in spite of what he called "flight embargo" they are struggling to secure international flights over the occupied area of Cyprus and added: "We are struggling in this direction. Nine lawyers of ours are working in this direction. There are places we have applied in European countries. We are working seriously. We are giving reports to the politicians here and in Turkey. Politics will also do its duty?"

(I/Ts.)

[14] Israel and Turkey 'close' to compensation deal

Turkish and Israeli diplomatic sources have confirmed that the two countries have nearly agreed on the terms of the agreement that would conclude the process of normalization following Israel's apology last year to Turkey over the killings of nine Turkish activists on board the Mavi Marmara.

"The amount of compensation for those who were killed and wounded in the Mavi Marmara operation, plus the damages inflicted on the vessel, will be around a few million dollars," diplomatic sources said, without giving further details.

Both countries' diplomatic sources stressed that although negotiations with regard to the deal are nearing completion, they have been looking for the approval of their respective Prime Ministers to move forward. In the event that the two countries sign the deal, they will also have to exchange ambassadors immediately so the normalization of ties can become more visible.

Diplomatic sources noted that Turkey was on the eve of a very critical election process and that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan might use the agreement with Israel as another foreign policy victory, in the way he did last year when Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu officially apologized to him following a direct intervention by U.S. President Barack Obama.

[15] Opinion polls on the popularity of the ruling AKP

According to Turkish daily Today's Zaman (online, 02.02.14), a survey conducted by data collection and research company Veritas of 3,038 people through face-to-face interviews in 42 provinces indicated that support for the governing party AKP has declined to 36.4% as opposed to the almost 50% it received in the national elections of 2011.

The support is also below that which the AK Party received in the 2009 local elections, which stood at 38%.

According to the survey, Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) would receive 28.8% of the vote in local elections while the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) would get 20.5% of the vote and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) 7.4%. The figures of undecided voters which were distributed in commensurate with voting percentages broken down along party lines.

Another interesting development which the poll found is that two centre-right parties, the nationalist Grand Unity Party (BBP) and the Islamist Felicity Party (SP), have also gained some strength. While the BBP received 2.8% of the vote, the SP got 1.9% in the survey.

Undecided voters represent a big chunk at 21.5%; most of them said they would vote according to the local candidates rather than based on party preference.

Veritas also asked respondents which political party they would vote for if a parliamentary election were held on Sunday. According to the survey results with the undecided distributed, 37.9% of respondents said they would vote for the AK Party, while 27.4% said they would vote for CHP and 18.8% for MHP.

According to the poll, the most important issues that Turkey is facing are economic problems (35.8%), corruption (19.1%), education (9.6%) and terrorism (5.5%).

The survey also showed that the public is opposed to the government's plan to close down prep schools with the majority of respondents (65.7%) saying the closure is a wrong step by the government.

Almost half of all Turkish citizens favoured incumbent President Gul as their presidential nominee in the upcoming election in the summer, the survey revealed. Gul's recorded 47% of the vote if he decides to run for another term while Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan scored only 17.5%. In a poll in February 2012, Erdogan scored 37.6% compared to Gul, who remained at 30.6%.

Meanwhile, Turkish daily HaberTurk (online, 02.02.14) published an opinion poll conducted by polling firm Konsensus. Under the title "In which regions is the AKP at a peak?" the paper reported that the polling firm Konsensus conducted the survey for Haberturk by telephone with a total of 1,504 people (above the age of 18) in 81 provinces, divided among 761 women and 743 men, deals with the general elections and the events that are determining Turkey's agenda. Konsensus asked the 1,504 people taking part in the survey: "If a general election were to be held this Sunday, wich result would come out of the ballot boxes?" After the undecided votes were distributed, the AKP, whose percentage of the vote dropped 5.5% from the vote percentage in September, maintained its place in the lead with 44.6%. The CHP, whose votes increased by 2.7%, was in second place with 29.6%, while the MHP, which experienced an increase of 2%, was in third place with a vote percentage of 14.7%. As for the BDP, its percentage of the vote was 6.4%, having decreased by 1.5%.

The paper then wonders what sort of a scene emerges before us when the undecided votes are not distributed? According to the Konsensus survey, the vote percentages were as follows: AKP in first place with 33.3%, followed by the CHP with 22% and the MHP with 10.9%. The BDP's vote percentage was 4.7%.

The percentage of those saying "I am undecided," which showed a 9.9% increase in comparison with September, rose to 14.9%. 8.6% of those taking part in the survey declined to answer, while 1.5% said "I will cast an invalid vote"; 8 in a thousand said: "I will not go to vote."

[16] New resignation in AKP over graft scandal

With Cetin's resignation, the number of deputies who have stepped down from the AKP since the graft scandal broke rose to eight since the test prep school (dershanes) row erupted, in a wave of defections unprecedented in the party's history.

Cetin, who was among the small group of AKP deputies who criticized the government's position on the test prep schools (dershanes) row, is also known to be close to Gulen's movement

The number of AKP's Deputies at Parliament has fallen to 319 out of 550 MPs. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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